Will Hopoate has secret training session with Parramatta Eels in first steps towards NRL return

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SACRIFICE is found at an empty footy ground in the back streets of North Brisbane. Inspiration is there, too. And so is faith.

Will Hopoate is many things, to many people. To the Parramatta Eels, he’s everything. On a warm winter’s day, a rugby league oval is the last place you’d expect to find Hopoate, who has spent the past 620 days walking the suburbs of Brisbane, spreading the gospel of the Mormon church.

His regular attire of a crisp white shirt, bible slipped inside his top pocket and pressed pants have been replaced by a Parramatta training shirt.

The only reminder of his dedication to the church is the name tag - Elder Will Hopoate - pinned to his training shirt. It’s the first time he’s worn the blue-and-gold colours and the first time he has met Ricky Stuart since he played under the former NSW State of Origin coach in 2011.

We were invited to Brisbane last Friday morning to attend Hopoate’s training session with the Eels coaching staff. The metres he powers through during the hour-long session are as significant as the miles he’s covered during his Mission.

This is where Hopoate’s second coming begins.

Every step he takes is filmed by the staff, who once back in Sydney will analyse the technique of their prized recruit. Every sprint is broken down into a start, middle and end. His lunges are measured, burpees counted.

Hopoate writes down notes. The discipline from his Mission carries over into his other love, rugby league.

“How many of these should I do?’’ he asks Eels strength and conditioning head trainer Cherry Mescia.

Hopoate, 21, looks like he could play tomorrow. Lean and powerful through the hips, he hardly raises a sweat. He ends the rigorous session by thanking the entire coaching staff for their support.

Life outside of Hopoate’s two-year mission has been placed on hold. His work is done without distraction.

With no television, he has not watched a game since the 2011 grand final, which he played in, when Manly won 24-10 against New Zealand.

With no mobile phone, he had no clue Eels star Jarryd Hayne had recently missed eight weeks of this season.

Without any contact with his family except for email or a phone call permitted on Christmas Day and Mother’s Day, he is counting the days until that moment of when he will finally meet his one year-old baby brother, George.

This is all part of the plan, according to Hopoate. And he wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s all part of it, but I do miss and love my family. I can’t wait to see them again but I know why I’m here and they know why I’m here,’’ Hopoate said. “I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, it’s been hard work. Mentally and physically.

“We study throughout the morning and from 10am to 9pm we’re out knocking on doors visiting people, preaching to people and offering services to the community.

“I love what I’m doing now and I’m going to love what I’ll be doing in a few months and so I see it as a great blessing, a win-win situation for myself.’’

When Hopoate pressed pause on his NRL career two years ago, he did so as the second youngest player, behind Blues legend Brad Fittler, to play Origin for NSW.

He was 19 and turned down a $1.8 million contract to spend two years as a Mormon missionary.

He will return to the NRL with undeniable potential. At his best he has the ability to rival Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston as the most influential player in the game.

But it’s not only on the field that Hopoate is looking to dominate.

Within the Mission, Hopoate’s impact has been of such significance that he has been taken off daily door-knocking duties and promoted to mentor other missionaries.

When he returns to the NRL, Hopoate wants to provide inspiration for troubled footballers.

“I do desire to come back stronger and faster than when I left,’’ Hopoate said.

“Going away for this two years has allowed me to become more self-reliant. It’s helped me to be stronger, more mature in regards to things on and off the field.

“Having that peace of mind and direction and purpose in life helps me to balance everything else, whether it’s footy, family or leisure.

“Hopefully I can help others stretch to reach their limits. I want to be an example. I’ll be happy to help anyone that has any questions, the guys coming through the ranks, the young teenagers. We live in a world where there are so many ill influences and distractions that can tear careers apart and so I’d be happy to be an example and a mentor.’’

Hopoate rises at 6am each morning to start his day. He trains for 30 minutes every morning, using any number of the cardio and weights programs that the Eels have specifically designed for him. They have sent him weights that he uses in a garage, Swiss balls to improve his core strength, while sessions at the local oval allow him to work on his speed.

His communication with the Eels is via email, with football manager Peter Nolan and instrumental in ensuring Hopoate has everything he requires.

“It’s a blessing on my behalf that they’re so close (to Brisbane) and they can send up all these tools and programs to help me be prepared,’’ he said.

“I’ve been following the program for quite a bit now and I really do appreciate Parra and their assistance in wanting to help me out.

“With the half-hour to an hour in the morning that I get, obviously the quantity and the intensity isn’t like pre-season, but it’s a very good base to start with.

“Small steps, little by little, soon become a lot.’’

Despite Hopoate’s connection to the almighty, he admits that even he carries fears about his return. He is not the Eels’ saviour, he says.

Instead, he admits it won’t be easy, knowing that even though he hasn’t seen a match in two years, the game is always changing.

“I know it’s not going to be a walk in the park with skill level and the physical intensity. I’m looking forward to working with Sticky (Stuart) and the Parramatta club in being prepared for next year,’’ Hopoate said.

“I want to come back, there’s been no thoughts otherwise. Rugby league is part of my blood ever since I was young. I really enjoy and love what I’m doing now but I’m looking forward to the next part of my life when it comes.’’

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